Jo Michie

Given to my by my 100yr old Mum as part of my birthday present this year. I have a huge pile of books to be read, so looked at it briefly intending to read it later. However I was immediately sucked in. What a fantastic book, brilliantly evoking 17th C Venice, and telling the story of a child/ teenager/ young woman who was musically talented and who became Vivaldi's protege - and eventually his muse. Arguably she finally eclipsed him. The book is based in the true story of Anna Maria della Pietà an orphan who had been placed in the famous Ospidali della Pietà when only a few weeks old. She had the most extraordinary gift of hearing, analysing and making music. At 8 years old she became, almost by accident, a pupil of Maestro Vivaldi, and her life changed for ever. Whether you know Vivaldi's music or not, whether you love classical music or not, this is a wonderful tale and i cannot recommend it more highly.